'Wetbacks' remark draws Boehner's ire

WASHINGTON - House Speaker John Boehner condemned yesterday a reference to migrant workers made by Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, calling the comments "offensive and beneath the dignity of the office."

WASHINGTON - House Speaker John Boehner condemned yesterday a reference to migrant workers made by Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, calling the comments "offensive and beneath the dignity of the office."

Young referred to migrant workers as "wetbacks" in a radio interview aired in his home state on Thursday, but he issued an apology late in the day after criticism. The term is considered a slur against undocumented workers who cross into the United States from Mexico.

Young was speaking about the economy and technology. In an initial apology, he said he did not realize the term was considered offensive.

In a statement made yesterday, Young called the term "insensitive" and "a poor choice of words."

Boehner issued a statement saying there was "no excuse" for the comments.

Young, who has spent 40 years in Congress, also is facing a House ethics investigation into possible misuse of campaign funds, failure to report gifts and other offenses.